Michael Che confronts Ye backstage at SNL over 2018 Trump speech in new documentary

A new documentary, In Whose Name?, has revealed unseen footage of a confrontation between Michael Che and Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) following the rapper’s on-air political speech during a 2018 episode of Saturday Night Live.

The film captures Che approaching Ye backstage after the musician’s impromptu remarks in support of Donald Trump, during which he also criticised members of the SNL cast.

Wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, Ye accused the show of attempting to silence him and directed comments at Che while discussing how Black comedians address topics such as Bill Cosby.

“You good with me?” Che is seen asking Ye before adding, “That was f---ed up. Why you gotta call me out on the f---in’ [stage] if I don’t got a chance to say anything for myself?” Ye initially suggested he was referring to fellow cast member Leslie Jones but later told Che, “Aw, man, I love you though, bro.”

Che pressed further, saying: “I love you too. I’m a fan. But why would you do that to me? I work here! We treat everybody that come in like family, and you’re gonna sell us out?”

Ye admitted he had grievances with SNL but conceded Che’s point that airing them on stage without giving the cast a chance to respond was “kinda foul.”

Other SNL cast members also recalled their discomfort with the moment in interviews featured in the film. Ego Nwodim said she felt uneasy being on stage during the speech, while Kenan Thompson explained he walked off as soon as he realised Ye intended to speak.

Directed by Nico Ballesteros, In Whose Name? is now showing in cinemas, offering a closer look at one of SNL’s most controversial live moments.